"Daniel and the Scary Sleepover"

November - Lesson 2

     Hello to you once again! Glad you are able to be here!
     Today we are continuing our November’s story entitled “Daniel and the Scary Sleepover” found on pages 1522-159 of The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones. This is the second of three online lessons for this month.
     Children: It is time to listen to the story being read to you one more time. Maybe instead of listening to the recorded video provided to you, you would like to ask a family member to read the story to you. As you listen to the oral reader, I would like you to follow along in the book so you can check out all the cool illustrations (pictures).
     It took great courage and faith in God for Daniel to break the law and be obedient to God. God was faithful to Daniel and protected him from the hungry lions.
     All people, even adults, have their share of “lions” … things that are problems or something we are afraid of. Maybe a “lion” in your life is someone who you have allowed to upset you, or something that happened at home or school that is worrisome, or if someone you know is sick – These are all things that make us feel sad or not very happy.
     I'm sure Daniel thought about giving-in and hiding the fact that he was a follower of God, but Daniel decided to stand up for his belief in God, even if it meant death.
     There are times when even a kid has to stand up for her/his beliefs. When you see someone treating another badly. When you hear gossip. When you have the tough choice of sleeping in or going to church. When it's time to pray, and you'd rather play. When others speak negatively about God or the church. When there are things that are pulling you away from God. Distractions and “lions” come in all shapes and sizes!
     If you have any questions, concerns, or just thoughts to share, please use this blog to open a conversation with Pastor Steve. If you wish, create your own illustrations!
     Adults: The Biblical reference for our story is Daniel 6.    
     Daniel was successful in every administration he served in, and he served all different kinds of bosses, all different types of kings. It is interesting to look into what was the cause of Daniel’s success.
     Based on the numerous job evaluations by others found in the Bible, Daniel demonstrated five distinct attributes that most of us believe we need in order to be successful in our own lives.
#1 Commitment – the desire to remain faithful. He was committed to maintaining his own convictions, to giving his best to every kingdom, and was committed to being an example worthy of inspection. In other words, he was true to his job – he really meant business!
#2 Competence – the ability to do something successfully or efficiently. Daniel was competent in wisdom and understanding (He did more than what was assigned or expected.), in specific areas of training (literature, science, engineering), and could multi-task.
#3 - Courage – having the heart to serve. Daniel had courage to serve his bosses’ vision with his all, he had courage to put aside issues (like his kidnapping), and he was courageous enough to be willing to die for his beliefs.
#4 Compassion – the love to meet needs. Daniel had compassion. He believed that he should share the truth with kindness (It hurt to tell the king of God’s judgment!), and it fueled his spiritual mission throughout his life
#5 Creativity – the ingenuity to change and to produce change. Daniel was creative enough to embrace new leadership, to find answers, and to take on new areas of responsibility. 

Daniel came in as a slave, he workd and did his best, and step by step, he kept being promoted. He never asked to be promoted. He never sought a promotion. He sought excellence and that brought promotion. Daniel's ability to excel is what kept him on top! 








​This Week’s Prayer: Dear Jesus, I ask you to help me close the mouths of the “lions” in my life. Amen
     Next week I will share the third and last lesson about Daniel and the lions. Our Sunday School Gathering will take place on November 26, 2023, at 11 am right after service. We will meet for a snack, a lesson discussion, and a fun craft!
Have good week,
Margo Greer

---